Prince Charles and Camilla to stop and smell the roses

Patron of the Sandringham Estate Cottage Horticultural Society since 2002, The Prince of Wales will visit the 133rd Sandringham Flower Show with The Duchess of Cornwall on Wednesday.

Prince Charles at the 2010 Sandringham Flower Show.

The Royal couple will tour the show and meet with exhibitors and those attending the annual event.

Sandringham Flower Show is one of the most celebrated horticultural events in the East of England. Taking place Sandringham Park, the one-day show attracts around 20,000 visitors each year.

A month before the show Estate employees, pensioners and tenants have the chance to submit their gardens in two judged contests. On the day of the event, the King George Vl Challenge Cup and the Qchance Challenge Cup are given to the winners of these competitions.

Several of the region’s foremost nurseries and horticultural experts present in the show.

The event also contains display gardens by top designers, a craft marquee, military band, entertainment for the children and approximately 200 horticultural and general trade stands.

The Royal marquees hold competitions in fruit, vegetables, flowers and floral art from local residents.

The amateur marquee comprises local horticultural and gardening clubs who have the opportunity to enter judged display competition.

In the horticultural marquee one may find displays by numerous nurseries.

The profits from each show are donated to local charities and since 1977 the Show Committee has given more than £500,000 to good causes according to the Sandringham Estate Cottage Horticultural Society Trust.